Concerted Services in Arkansas: An Evaluation of Developmental Change. Center Research and Development Report No. 6.

Smith, J. Vernon; And Others

The Concerted Services in Training and Education (CSTE) program was designed at the federal level to coordinate the resources of all appropriate federal and state agencies in rural development. The pilot Arkansas program focused on the problems of a rural outmigration area characterized by low income, underemployment, and lack of industry. Evaluation of this program was made from both analysis of the changes in the area's socioeconomic profile, and extensive reports derived from interviews, discussions, and questionnaires given to community leaders, trainees, graduates, and a control group. This evaluation rates the Arkansas CSTE program in terms of its performance of four functions: research to identify available opportunities, coordination between public and private manpower programs, vocational training, and development. Although the program was found to be generally successful, areas for improvement were discovered. In particular, more care should be given to preparing trainees for fields in which there are vacancies. Related documents in this issue are VT 011 403-404 and VT 011 474-475. (BH)